Principle of Fractional Distillation:
Fractional distillation separates components of a mixture with close boiling points by using a fractionating column to achieve repeated condensation and vaporization cycles.
Methodology:
Setup: Similar to simple distillation but includes a fractionating column between the distillation flask and the condenser.
Heating: The mixture is heated, and vapours rise through the fractionating column.
Fractionation: As vapours ascend, they repeatedly condense and vaporize on the packing material within the column, enriching the vapor in the more volatile component.
Condensation and Collection: The vapor eventually reaches the condenser, condenses, and is collected as the distillate.
Uses:
Separation of liquid mixtures like ethanol and water.
Industrial processes such as crude oil refining.
Purification of chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
Merits:
High separation efficiency for mixtures with close boiling points.
Can achieve high purity of separated components.
Suitable for both small-scale and large-scale operations.
Demerits:
More complex setup and operation compared to simple distillation.
Higher energy consumption due to repeated vaporization and condensation cycles.
Potential for column flooding or pressure drop issues.